Mining machine



'June 30. E925.

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE riginal Filed Nov. l2, 1917 ,b n www@ @u am .RU ma @W MW. H

w N www www@ Patented June 30, 1925.

UNITED STATES 1,544,066 PATENT OFFICE.

MOR-RIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEN HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN i MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION 035' IVIASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed November 122.1917, Serial No. 201,468. Renewed Uetober 29, 1924.

To all w wm t may concern.'

Be i lrnown that I, MORRIS P. HOLMES, a citizen `of the United States, residingv at Claremont, in the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mining Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to mining machines.

It has for its object to provide improved means whereby an internal part of a mining machine may be removed with'facility through the bottom of the lat-ter. A further object of kmy invention is to improve the cutter chain driving mechanism of such a machine. A still further object of my invention is to provide improved means whereby the critter chain driving sprocket Vof a mining machine may be mounted withA in the iframe in anv improved manner whereby the bearings for t-he rotating parts may be maintained in accurate alignment and rendered readily accessible without removal of either the mining machine casing or shoe. A morev Specific object of my invention is to provide improved means whereby the bearing for the sprocket may be accurately aligned, whereby cramping of the bearings is prevented, andl whereby the partsforming the bearings may be suitably enclosed in such a manner as to prevent the entry of dirt or the like into the same, at the same time-that these parts are readily accessible through the machine shoe when desired, as for instance when it is necessary to replace a partwhich has become worn in service. These and other objects and advantages of my improved construction will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying 'drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a side elevation, partially in section, of a mining machine equipped with my improvement.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view showing the cap and sleeve removed.

"im Fig. 3 is a detail view, partially in section, showing the sleeve.

' Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view showing the cap.

In this illustrative construction, I have shown a mining machine of standard construction including a machine viframe 1 slidably bodily on its bottom 2, herein in the form of a Shoe, and carrying a motor 3 operatively connected through suitable gearing of any well known character, with a feed chain Sprocket 13 adapted to cooperate with a suitable feed chain 14 in such a manner as to propel the machine about the mine in a well known manner, the connection of the gearing being controlled by a suitable clutch controllable by a controlling member 16. As in the usual construction, a cutter chain 17 revoluble about a suitable forwardly projecting cutter bar 1S is also connected at a point beneath the rear end of the machine to a cutter chain sprocket 19, which is in turn operatively connected to the motor 3 through suitable gearing. As shown, this gearing includes a gear 20 disposed concentric with and above the sprocket 19, and connectible therewith in a well known manner through the manipulation of a suitable clutch controlling member 22 operatively connected to clutch fingers 23 adapted to extend through suitable registering 'openings 24 in both the gear 2O and the sprocket wheel 19.

In my improvement, it will be observed that an upstaiicliiig member, herein illustrated in the Vform of a Stud 25, is disposed coaXially within the sprocket wheel 19 and gear 20. As shown, this stud is provided with a reduced upper end 26 fixed to the frame 1 in any suitable manner, as by means of a pin 27, and is also provided at its lower end with a reduced portion 28 receivable in a Suitable upstanding sleeve 29 on a shield or plate, herein a flanged cap 30, having its bottom disposed in the plane oi the shoe 2 and its iiange suitably attached to the frame l by attaching' means, herein shown to comprise a plurality of screws 31. As shown, the gear 20 is also provided with an elongated hub 32, and a bearing sleeve or bushing 33 is disposed between the inner periphery of this hub and the surface of the stud in such a manner as to form a bearing surface between the rotating gear and the stationary stud. In my improvement, the lower part of the gea-r hub 32 is also provided with an outer bearing surface 34 carrying a bushing 35 on which is revolubly mounted the hub 36 of the sprocket 19, the latter being held in position relative to the hub 32 by .means of a lower clamping ring vided with a laterallyV extending lange d3 on its lower end adapted to rest upon the upper ring oi' a suitable, herein a'ball-type, thrust bearing lst disposed around the flange 29 on the cap.30.- Thus, obviously, by provid-ing a suitable aperture flo in the shoe 2 adapted to receive the cap 30 and located at a point beneath the stud 25 and i he several bearings, not only may the smooth bottom of the shoe be preserved, but the parts may alsoVV be sealed by the capBO'and means provided whereby, by simply removing thelat'- ter, the thrust bearing le and sleeve 33 may bewithdrawn through the aperture 15 whenever desired.V Obviously, also, byproviding a threaded opening 16 in the capBO 4adapted to receive one of the screws 31 and permit the same Ato bear against the endet the stud 25, the cap may be removed at any time in spite of any tendency ofthe parts to stielr.A i A l i In the operationof a `machine equipped with my improvement, the power of the motor will obviously be transmitted in vthe usual manner through'V the different geariiigs described, to thefeed chain driving sprocket 18 and the cutter chaiir driving sprocket 19, the connecten of the'parts be"- ing controlled by their respectiveA clutch mechanisms. More specifically, it will be noted that while the latter sprocketis disconnected rfroin'its driving mechanism the gear 20 will obviously rotate on the bearing sleeve 33 and about the stud 25 within the then stationary sprocket 19, the thrust being taken on the thrust bearing provided. On the other hand, when thesprocket 19 is `connected to its driving mechanism, the same will rotate with the gear 20, the two then turning about the stud and having therwear taken as in the previousinstance by the sleeve 38 and the thrust taken by the thrust bearing. Thus, it willbe observed that whether the'parts V19 and 2O are connected or disconnected, the wear is taken upon the sleeve 33 and the thrust bearing, i. e., upon elements readily accessible and replaceable when desired by removable of the cap 30.

As a result of myV improved construction, it will be observed that an exceedingly rug-V ged and' simple construction is producedv in ywhich no dimculty is experienced in lining bottom.

up the bearingsoi the several parts, due to the fact that the stud 25 'is' fixed to the frame, and that, 'l further, later ditiiculty with cramping of the bearings is also ob viateddue to the fact rthattliis stud is so supported in the frame and capas to hold the parts accurately iii alignment. Attention is also directed to the fact that due to my improved construction all the thrust of the parts is taken upon suitable thrust bear-V vrear end of the machine in such ainanner to enable access to be had to lthe screws 3l. In my improved construction, it will also be observed that theparts are Veliectually sealed by the cap 30 and the 'iiange llin such amanner as tc prevent the entry of dirt or lthe lilremto the bearings, and that this cap when in position is disposed flush with lthe bottom surface of the shoe in such aman- Vner as to forni a section ot' the shoe and permit the latter to slide freely on the mine These and other advantages et my improved construction will, however, be

clearly apparent to those skilled in thea-rt.

lliile I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my inventon may asume in practice, it will be un derstood that this i'or'm o1 the same is used iter purposesof illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied `in other iorins without departing from fthe v spirit or the scope of the appended'elaims.

I'Vhat I claim` as new and desire to se cure by Letters Patent is: Y

1. In a mining machine, a machine iframe slidable bodily on its bottom during cutting, a cutter chain driving member thereon, a bearing tor the latter preventing lateral displacement thereof, and means inf eluding an opening in the bottom of said frame' and a removable closure therefor for enabling removal Vot said bearing through the Vbottom oi' said frame. f

2. In a mining machine, a machine frame .slidable bodily on `its bottom during cutting, cutter chain driving mechanism `above the bottom thereof including a plurz'ilityof bearings, and means including an opening in the bottoni ot said :trame and a removable closure therefor for enabling removal of vsaid bearings through the bottom of said frame. n i

3. lIn a mining machine, a machine frame,

a cutter chain driving member, a bearing therefor preventing lateral displacement thereof, a-nd means including a removable shield carried by said frame whereby said bearing is` accessible through the bottom of said frame. Y

l1. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a shoe disposed beneath the same, a rotatable cutter chain driving member supported by said shoe, a bushing therefor, and means including a removable shoe section carried by said frame whereby said bushing may be removed through said shoe.

5. In a mining machine, a frame, a cutter chain driving member journaled thereon, a sleeve therefor, a thrust bearing therefor, and means including a centering member for one of said elements whereby said last mentioned elements may be removed through the bottom of said frame.

G. In a mining machine, a frame, a chain cutter drivingv member journaled thereon, asleeve for said member, a thrust bearing for said member, and means including fa removable cap carried by said frame and accessible from the bottom of said frame for holding said 4elements in position. v

7. In a mining machine, aimachine frame slidable bodily on its bottom during cutting and having an aperture inl its bottom, a sta tionary upstanding member thereon, a driving member on said member, a chain driving sprocket disposed concentrically therewith, and a bearing for certain of said elements removable through said aperture,

8. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable bodily on its bottom during cutting and having an aperture in its bottom, a stationary upstanding member thereon, a driving member on said member, a chain driving sprocket disposed concentrically therewith, and a thrust bearing for certain of said elements removable through said aperture.

9. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable bodily on its vbottom during cutting and having an aperture in its bottom, an upstanding member on said frame, a driving `member disposed concentrically therewith, a chain driving member rotatable with said driving member, and a plurality of bearing members for said through said aperture.

10. In a mining machine, a `,machine frame, an upstanding member carrier thereon, Va driving member and a sprocket dis posed concentrically with said upstanding member, a bearing sleeve between one of said elements and said upstanding member, and means including a detachable sleeve retaining member carried by said frame whereby said sleeve may be removed from the bottom of said frame.

11. In a mining machine, a machine frame having an opening in its bottom, an

elements removable upstanding member carriedon said frame, a rotatable cutter chain driving member on said upstanding member, a bearing therefor, and means including a plate carried by said frame and normally closing the opening therein for removing said bearing through the bottom thereof.

12. In .a mining machine, a machine frame, a shoe disposed beneath the same, an upstanding member carried on said frame, a rotatable cutter chain driving' member car ried on saidupstanding member, a thrust bearing therefor, and means including a removable cap carried by said frame wherebysaid thrust bearing may be removed through said shoe.

13. In a mining machine, a machine frame having an openingv in its bottom, an upstanding member carried on said frame, icap closin said opening and receiving the lower end of said upstanding member, a rotative chain driving member on said upstanding member, and bearings therefor accessible upon removal of said cap. 14. In a mining machine, a machine frame having an opening in its bottom, an upstanding member carried by said fra-me, a cap closing said opening and receivingl the lower end of Vsaid upstanding member, a rotative chain driving member on said upstanding member, and bearings therefor removable through said opening upon removal of said cap.

15. In a mining machine, a machine frame having an opening in its bottom, an upstanding member carried by said frame, a removable cap closing said opening and receivingthe lower end of said member, a rotatable chain driving sprocket on said 'upstanding member, and a plurality of bearings therefor centered by said cap.

16. Ina mining machine, a machine frame, a detachable plate carried by the bottom thereof, a sleeve attached to saidplate, an upstanding member projecting into said sleeve, a rotative member on said upstanding member, and a bearing between said upstanding member and rotative member, said bearings being removable upon the removal of said detachable plate.

17. In a *mining machine, a machine frame, a detachable plate carried on the bottom thereof, a sleeve attached to said plate, an upstanding member projecting into said sleeve, a rotative member on said upstanding member, a bearing sleeve between said upstanding member and rotative mem ber, and a vthrust bearing between the rotative member and detachable plate. 18. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a detachable plate carried by the bottom thereof, a sleeve attac-hed to said plate, an upstanding member projecting into said sleeve, a rotative member on said upstanding member, a bearing sleeve between said upstanding member and rotative member, and a thrust bearing between said` rotative member and detachable plate, said bearing sleeve and thrust bearing being removable upon removal of said plate. p

19. In a' mining machine,-a miningn machine frame, an upstanding'member thereon, a rotative member on said Aupstanding member, a thrust bearingltor said vrotative member, and a single centering sleeve" for said rotativemember and thrustbea'ring disposed at the lower end of saidupstanding member and removably carried by said frame to allow access to said bearing.

20. In a mining machine, aminingj 'machine frame, an upstanding member carried thereon, a rotative member on said upstanding member, a thrust bearing for said rotative member, and a centering sleeve for said rotative member and thrust bearing disposed at thelower end of said upstand'- ing member andremovablv carried by said frame to allowv access to said bearing,.-y

21. In a miningl machine, a machine frame, al stud having its Vupper end hired thereon, ay member rotatively mounted V,on the stud, a thrust bearing for the member, and 'a detachable centering sleeve for the member and thrust bearing disposed at the lower gend of'said stud,fsaid thrust bearing being removable with the centering sleeve.

` 22. In a mining machine, a machine frame including a portion'adapted to rest on the mine bottom and lhaving an aperture rformed in said portion, a closure for said aperture, and separate` means adapted tocause separation of said closurefrom said aperture.;

i 23. In a mining machine, a machine frame including a portion adapted to engage the mine bottom and having an aperture formed therein, arclos'ure member adapted to close said aperture, means adapted to hold said closure in position, and separate means-to closure member from said aperture. i '-1 24. In a mining machine, a. machine trame including a portion adapted to engage the mine bottom and having an aperture formed in said portion, af closure member for said aperture, a bearing to' prevent lateral movement carried by said `frame and said closure member, and means to enable removal of said bearing through said aperture.

25. Iny a mining machine, a machine frame, an apertured shoe disposed beneath said frame, a stud fixed to said frame, a driving member journaled onsaid stud,'a chain driving-sprocket journaled on said driving member, a thrust bearing receiving the end thrust of saiddriving member, and

a'removable cap carried by said frame holding said bearing and stud imposition and disposed inthe aperture in saidshoe.

26. In Va mining machine,` a machine frame, a stud lixe'd at its upperend on said frame, a shoe disposed beneath said frame and having an'apert-ure therein, a stud centering capj carried by said frame and `re-` movable through said aperture, a thrust bearingcarried and centered by said cap,

a removable bea-ring sleeve carried on said stud, .a driving member carried on said sleeve, and a chain sprocket journaled on said drivingmember, said thrust bearing' ing lateral displacement of said cutter chain driving membenand closure `means for said opening removable to enable removalof said first mentioned means through the bottom of said frame. ,c 28. In a mining machine, a machine frame `slidable on its "bottom during cutting, a cutter chain driving member thereon, an openingthrough'the bottom ofsaid machine in alinement withsaid cutter chain driving member, means for supporting and preventing lateral displacement ofsaid cutter-chain driving member, and lclosure means for said opening removable to enable removal of said first mentionedmeans through the bottom oi saidframe and constituting positioning means for said first ,mentioned means.

Y 29.v In a'f mining machine, a machine frame including a portion adapted `to rest on the mine bottom and having an aperture formed in isaid portion, ay closure for said aperturtaV and separate means` adapted to cause separation of said,V closure "from said aperture ina direction outwardly from said frame. i 30. IIn a miningk machine, a machine frame including a portion adapted to engage the mine bottom-and having an aperture formedthereinfa'V closure member `Monats P. HOLMES.,` 

